Congratulations to SCS 2020 NHMRC Ideas grants recepients!

Monash Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences researchers have continued their success in the latest round of funding, awarded in excess of $40m, across 43 projects in the highly competitive 2020 NHMRC Ideas Grant scheme, for innovative research projects.  See Monash University announcement here.

Congratulations to all SCS NHMRC Ideas grants recipients!

Hudson Institute of Medical Research

• Should you be eating that? Food-derived bacteria and their role in treating disease Dr Sam Forster
• Improving the diagnosis of Disorders Sex Development (DSD) - Professor Vincent Harley
• The role of interferon epsilon in ovarian cancer - Professor Paul Hertzog

Department of Medicine

• Unravelling NET confusion in Vasculitis - Dr Kim O'Sullivan
• Interferon Epsilon as a novel regulator of host-bacterial interaction in homeostasis, infection and inflammation - Professor David Nikolic-Paterson

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

• Soft wearable patches for stillbirth prevention  - Professor Euan Wallace and Dr Vinayak Smith (Project lead - Professor Wenlong Cheng)

Department of Paediatrics

• A new mechanism of tissue fibrosis – a small peptide regulator of the TGF-beta1/Smad pathway - Dr Edward Giles

Department of Psychiatry

• ARX- A hub gene for a common biological pathway in schizophrenia - Dr Rachel Hill
• Betacellulin: defining a novel sub-type in schizophrenia - Professor Suresh Sundram

Rationalist Society of Australia Grants - APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

The Rationalist Society of Australia (RSA) is calling for expressions of interest from suitably qualified academics for funding research projects in the following areas:

• The impact of freethought and secularism in Australia.
• The effectiveness of critical thinking skills teaching in Australian schools.
• The role of experts in media and public policy in Australia.
• Privileges granted by law and government policy to religious groups in Australia.
• The influence of organised religion on healthcare policy and practice in Australia.

There are two categories of grants:

1. The Ian Robinson Grants for Emerging Researchers: funding of up to A$5,000 to individual emerging researchers.
2. The RSA Patrons’ Grants: funding of up to A$15,000 to individual researchers or teams of researchers.

More detailed information about the grants is here. Applications close 31 March 2021.

For questions about the scheme please contact mro-applications@monash.edu.

Current MRFF Funding Opportunities - UPDATED OPEN CALLS

CLOSING FEB 2021  

1) PPHRI- 2020 Efficient Use of Existing Medicines Grant Opportunity Guidelines  

• $7.5M pool
• Closing Feb 03, 2021

2) EPCDR Initiative – 2020 Childhood Cancer Research Grant Opportunity

Following the Ministers announcement over a week ago this call has now opened.

• $9M pool
• Closing Feb 03, 2021

3) PPHRI- Maternal, First 2000 Days, and Childhood Health Grant  Opportunity 

• $12M pool
• Closing Feb 03, 2021

4) PPHRI- Quality, Safety and Effectiveness of Medicine Use and Medicine Intervention by Pharmacists MRFF Grant Opportunity 

also see https://business.gov.au/Grants-and-Programs/MRFF-2020-Quality-Safety-and-Effectiveness-of-Medicine-Use-and-Medicine-Safety-by-Pharmacists  

• $13M pool 
• Closing Feb 23, 2021

5) Research Data Infrastructure Initiative -  2020 Primary Health Care Research Data Infrastructure grant opportunity 

also see https://business.gov.au/Grants-and-Programs/MRFF-2020-Primary-Health-Care-Research-Data-Infrastructure-Grant-Opportunity

• $10M pool 
• Closing Feb 23, 2021

 CLOSING MAR 2021    

6) Clinical Trial Activity Initiative - 2020 International Clinical Trial Collaborations Grant Opportunity 

•  $6.3M pool (per round)
• Round 2 Closing Mar 03, 2021

7) Coronavirus Research Response   – 2020 COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate Research grant opportunity  (EoIs) 

• Round 3:closing 10 March, 2021

Expressions of Interest for Level A Research Assistant within clinical psychedelic trials!

Within the new clinical psychedelic research program at Monash, this Level A research-only academic role is to assist the Chief Principal Investigator and Investigator team in preparatory work for two clinical trials: 1) Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of Generalised Anxiety Disorder; and 2) MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. 

• Tasks include: assistance in the development of clinical trial protocols; Human Ethics Research Committee submissions; clinical trial registration; research on trial measures; trial procedural mapping; staff coordination and stakeholder liaison; drafting of reports to funders; and assistance in the development of academic manuscripts. Role within School of Clinical Sciences, and based at Monash Biomedical Imaging, Clayton.
• Required Qualification: an honours degree or higher in Psychology or related clinical sciences.
• Previous experience: design, preparation, and execution of human research trials.

If interested, please email Dr Paul Liknaitzky: paul.liknaitzky@monash.edu

Call for SIP Supervisors/Projects for final year medical students

We are looking for Scholarly Intensive Placement supervisors for 2021 for final year students placed at SCS. Duration is 5-6 weeks long with requirements including a student-supervisor agreement, report and oral presentation. If you have potential projects or would like to supervise, please contact Dr Ai Li Yeo - aili.yeo@monash.edu.

For more information please go to https://www.monash.edu/medicine/som/current-students/med-5101 

Compulsory Research Integrity Training from 2021

In light of Monash University's continued commitment to the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and ensuring all research conducted at our institution is carried out with the highest integrity, we will be moving towards implementing compulsory Research Integrity training for our researchers over the coming years.

The training will be rolled out from 1 January 2021 as follows:

• Commencing 1 January 2021
• All successful award recipient Principal Chief Investigators (PCIs, CIAs), must complete online Research Integrity training at the time of notice of award
• Commencing 1 January 2022
• All applicant Principal Chief Investigators (PCIs, CIAs) must complete online Research Integrity training at the time of application submission to funder 

Where can I find the Training?

Research Integrity training can be found in 'My Development' within the HR & Employment tile upon Monash's homepage. Once within 'My Development', simply search for 'Research Integrity' to bring up the training module.

The training can be undertaken by anyone at any time, but will be compulsory for Principal Chief Investigators as outlined above from 2021. Please note, award monies for successful awards will not be released by R&R unless this training has been completed.

Once completed, training is valid for 5 years.

Should you have any questions regarding the training, please contact The Research Integrity Team.

Confirmation of NHMRC’s 2021 Grant Program Dates

On Tuesday 4 August 2020, NHMRC CEO Professor Anne Kelso advised the research sector via a Communique that NHMRC has adjusted scheme dates for the 2021 grant program, in consultation with Research Committee, in response to COVID 19 and that exact dates would be finalised later in the year.

Following further consultation with Research Administration Offices and the Australian Research Council, NHMRC are now able to confirm the following dates for the 2021 Grant Program.

Researchers are strongly encouraged to start planning their applications early. This includes new users registering for a SAPPHIRE account well in advance of the opening dates to update their profile and become familiar with the system. Information on how to do this is available from the Sapphire landing page or on the Sapphire Internet Page.

Medical Research Future Fund Current grant opportunities

Clinical Trials Activity initiative - 2020 International Clinical Trial Collaborations 

• Round 2 minimum data closes 17 February 2021
• Round 2 applications close 3 March 2021 

Emerging Priorities and Consumer-Driven Research initiative - 2020 Childhood Cancer Research 

• Minimum data closes 20 January 2021
• Applications close 3 February 2021

Frontier Health and Medical Research initiative - 2021 Frontier Health and Medical Research 

• Applications close 11 December 2020

Million Minds Mental Health Research Mission - 2020 Mental Health Research

• Minimum data closed 25 November 2020
• Applications close 9 December 2020

Preventive and Public Health Research initiative

2020 Efficient Use of Existing Medicines

• Minimum data closes on 20 January 2021
• Applications close 3 February 2021

2020 Maternal, First 2000 Days, and Childhood Health 

• Minimum data closes 20 January 2021
• Applications close 3 February 2021

2020 Quality, Safety and Effectiveness of Medicine Use and Medicine Intervention by Pharmacists 

• Applications close 23 February 2021

Research Data Infrastructure initiative - 2020 Primary Health Care Research Data Infrastructure 

• Applications close 23 February 2021

Coronavirus Research Response - 2020 COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate Research

• Round 2 expressions of interest closed 11 November 2020
• Round 2 applications close 27 January 2021
• Round 3 expressions of interest close 10 March 2021
• Round 3 applications close 5 May 2021

All MRFF grant opportunities are advertised on GrantConnect.

ARC LE22 EOI Portal - Now Open

Each year the Victorian Universities run a combined Expression of Interest (EOI) process for the ARC LIEF scheme to strengthen the competitiveness of submissions and eliminate duplication of applications for similar infrastructure/equipment.

Accordingly, the DVCRs request that EOIs are submitted for any potential LE22 bids where either

• a VIC-based university is leading, or
• a VIC-based CI is participating on a bid led by an interstate university.

EOI and Cash Contributions Forms

Monash University is hosting the EOI process for this round, and so the EOI portal is within our Survey Monkey Apply system.

For full EOI instructions, refer to the LE22 EOI Helpsheet. 

Please note that Dept/School/Faculty cash contributions must be secured before an EOI can be submitted. Applicants should complete the Monash Contributions Form to demonstrate relevant approvals. Further instructions are available on the MRO LIEF intranet page.

Key Dates

20 Nov 2019	Grant Guidelines released (Grant Connect)
9am, 7 Dec 2020	LIEF EoI system opens https://monashedu.smapply.io
27 Jan 2021	Proposals open in RMS.
5pm, 29 Jan 2020	EOIs for ARC LIEF 2022 Round close.
29 Jan – 8 Feb 2021	Each participating University’s Research Office will collate and review EOIs led by their institution, contacting lead CI’s for clarification where necessary.
8 Feb 2021	Meeting of all Victorian-based university DVCRs (or equivalent) to review EOIs.
17 Mar 2021	Request not to Assess due to ARC.
31 Mar 2021	ARC Close for full proposals.

Further information on the LIEF EOI process

Further information on the scheme and Monash submission processes can be accessed from the MRO LIEF intranet page. For any queries please email mro-applications@monash.edu.

MNHS Investigator Grant Webinar with Professor Anne Kelso 17 December 2020

The final NHMRC Investigator Grant webinar in our 2020 series will focus on issues relating to gender, equity, and career disruptions. The webinar will be joined by Prof Anne Kelso, CEO of the NHMRC, who will give a presentation about how the NHMRC is addressing gender issues in Investigator Grants.

The webinar will also feature a panel of MNHS researchers, including Prof Carol Hodgson (EL2, School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine), Dr Kate McArthur (NHMRC Early Career Fellow, Biomedicine Discovery Institute) and Prof Dena Lyras (GRP Member, Biomedicine Discovery Institute). There will be discussion on how these issues affect Investigator Grant applicants, as well as how the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences can support them to ensure greater equity in future success.  

• Date: 17 December 2020
• Time: 12:00-1:30 PM
• Venue: Via Zoom

Please register here for the Zoom link. The webinar will be recorded and placed on the MNHS Intranet for those who are unable to join us live. Please send any questions regarding the session to medicine.research@monash.edu.

ARC Discovery Indigenous 2022 (IN22) - Applications Open in RMS

The Discovery Indigenous scheme provides grant funding to support research projects led by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researcher.

IMPORTANT NOTES

• COVID impacts - the ARC has published guidance on the impacts of COVID-19, including Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).  
• Following the updated ARC Conflict of Interest and Confidential Policy, there are some new mandatory questions which must be completed via the Personal Details tab of each RMS user profile.

Key Changes Summary

Please note the following key changes to the IN22 Application in RMS, relative to last year:

• A3 - Organisation Participant Summary: it is not mandatory for a PI’s organisation to be listed as a participating organisation, unless the organisation is providing cash or in-kind contributions.
• A6 - National Interest Test (NIT) Statement: your NIT statement will not appear in the PDF version of the application.
• B8 - Enter the number of all student places that will be filled as a result of this project, not just those requested in the budget for funding.
• D1 - Project Description section includes new sub-section of “Project Aims and Background”. 
• D1 - “Investigator(s)/Capability” is moved ahead of “Project Quality and Innovation”.
• F17 - Previously "Academic Interruptions" are changed to “Career Interruptions”. Three new categories are added: Disaster Management and Recovery; Limited or no access to facilities or resources; Community obligations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural practices and protocols

Note that this is not an exhaustive list of all changes. 

KEY DATES

ACTION	DATE
Initial Deadline for Complete MRO Review (Via Pure Pre-Approval)	2 Mar 2021
RNTA due to MRO (due to ARC)	25 Feb 2021 (3 Mar 2021)

ARC Submission Close	17 Mar 2021
Anticipated Rejoinder Period	17 June 2021 - 30 June 2021

LINKS TO FURTHER INFORMATION

All IN22 ARC documentation can be obtained from Grant Connect (GO4534).

MRO guidance is available via our Discovery Indigenous intranet page, including our Guide to entering Research Outputs into RMS and the MRO Submission Process for ARC Proposals.

Additional links to important info from the ARC:

• Important Dates for ARC Grant Application Process
• ARC Eligibility matters overview

Please contact mro-applications@monash.edu if you have any queries about this funding opportunity.

ARC Discovery Projects 2022 (DP22) - Applications Open in RMS

The Discovery Projects scheme objectives are to support excellent basic and applied research and research training by individuals and teams, support national and international research collaboration, and enhance the scale and focus of research in Australian Government priority areas. The intended outcomes of the Discovery Projects scheme are an expanded knowledge base and research capacity in Australia and economic, commercial, environmental, social and/or cultural benefits for Australia.

IMPORTANT NOTES

• COVID impacts - the ARC has published guidance on the impacts of COVID-19, including Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) .  
• Following the updated ARC Conflict of Interest and Confidential Policy, there are some new mandatory questions which must be completed via the Personal Details tab of each RMS user profile.

Key Changes Summary

Please note the following key changes to the DP22 Application in RMS, relative to last year:

• A6 - National Interest Test (NIT) Statement: your NIT statement will not appear in the PDF version of the application.
• B8 - Enter the number of all student places that will be filled as a result of this project, not just those requested in the budget for funding.
• D1 - Project Description section includes new sub-section of “Project Aims and Background”. 
• D1 - “Investigator(s) / Capability” is moved ahead of “Project Quality and Innovation”.
• F16 - Previously "Academic Interruptions" are changed to “Career Interruptions”. Three new categories are added: Disaster Management and Recovery; Limited or no access to facilities or resources; Community obligations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural practices and protocols

Note that this is not an exhaustive list of all changes. 

KEY DATES

ACTION	DATE
Initial Deadline for Complete MRO Review (Via Pure Pre-Approval)	2 Feb 2021
RNTA due to MRO (due to ARC)	4 Feb 2021 (10 Feb 2021)

ARC Submission Close	24 Feb 2021
Anticipated Rejoinder Period	8 June 2021 - 22 June 2021

LINKS TO FURTHER INFORMATION

All DP22 ARC documentation can be obtained from Grant Connect (GO4502).

MRO guidance is available via our Discovery Project intranet page, including our Guide to entering Research Outputs into RMS and the MRO Submission Process for ARC Proposals.

Additional links to important info from the ARC:

• Important Dates for ARC Grant Application Process
• ARC Eligibility matters overview

Please contact mro-applications@monash.edu if you have any queries about this funding opportunity.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE - MRFF Investigator Eligibility (caps on number of applications)

IMPORTANT MESSAGE to the Monash MRFF Community 

Especially anyone currently preparing any MRFF application in an open round.

Anyone leading or agreeing to be a Chief Investigator on any MRFF grant to carefully check the funding rules in relation to the number of grants any CI.

The CIAs on all open grants, please double check that their team is abiding by the eligibility rules for that call.

Please note that for MRFF grants the rules are not always the same across grant rounds or the multiple funders that the MRFF use to administer grants, so it is vital that this be checked for every grant. 

Failure to follow the rules will deem both grants ineligible for assessment if any CI has breached the cap.

If anyone has any concerns or questions please let Karen McConalogue know.

COALAR Special Grant Round for 2020-2021 - Now Open [SEC=OFFICIAL]

Some exciting news is that a new Special Grant Round for COALAR for the 2020-21 year is now open until 23 December 2021 – please see here. The Special Grant Round will require a new application because there are new requirements.  This grant round has the focus theme of Economic Recovery; projects will need to span a six month period from 1 April to 30 September 2021 (with a further month for acquittal); and will need to meet special COVID-19 requirements. The  Additional Guidance note provides further information to assist with planning any application for the Special Grant Round.

Relevant information and links to the smartgrants form for applicants will be visible on the COALAR website, facebook page and GrantConnect.

If you have any questions, please email coalar@dfat.gov.au for a prompt response during business hours ADST.  

 

2020 Monash Technology Research Platforms (MTRP) User Feedback Survey

Every year the Office of the Vice-Provost (Research & Research Infrastructure) contact current users of the platforms (internal and external) to seek feedback on the performance and capabilities of the platforms. 

Your feedback is important, so PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO PROVIDE US WITH YOUR FEEDBACK. 

The Monash Technology Research Platforms provide you with access to cutting-edge research infrastructure and expertise. Please help us ensure we are providing the best research infrastructure, expertise and access to our platforms by giving us feedback on your experience in 2020.  

We appreciate your support of the platforms and want to make sure we can meet your expectations and enable you to achieve research excellence.  

Follow this link to the Survey or copy and paste the URL below into your internet browser:

https://monash.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0U2gwZEIaZpZitv?Q_DL=GDES273AoRvwiSQ_0U2gwZEIaZpZitv_MLRP_0drCsclNwV58HR3&Q_CHL=email

SCS & Hudson NHMRC Investigator Grant Review 2020 - Call for submissions for 2021 grant proposals

You are invited to be part of the Hudson & SCS Grant Review process of NHMRC Investigator grant applications. Through this process you will receive advice on the strategic direction of your grant and will be allocated reviewers to assist with writing your grant.

To participate in this process, please register your interest by completing the Google Form by Monday 30 Nov, 2020. You will need to indicate whether the grant is a resubmission or new and proposed reviewers.

Published guidelines and Guide to applicants are estimated to be released by the NHMRC in Feb 2021. For last year’s guidelines please visit the Grant Connect.

Please do not hesitate to contact Vanalysa Ly and/or Mai Sarraj if you have any queries.

Gates Foundation grant opportunities and Grand Challenges Annual Meeting videos

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is still accepting applications through the Grand Challenges and Grand Challenges Explorations initiatives for the following three requests for proposals. Their goal is to harness innovation around emerging technologies for transformative solutions to key global health and agricultural development problems, and they seek to anchor the work with the investigators and implementors closest to the problems, who have the knowledge and perspective to direct the right approaches to the right parts of the problems to help ensure success. Please check the website at the links below for the different application deadlines.

• Integrating Tradition and Technology for Fermented Foods for Maternal Nutrition
• New Approaches to Integrating Molecular Surveillance into Malaria Control Programs
• Smart Farming Innovations for Small-Scale Producers

Opportunities from our Partners

Keystone Symposia Global Health Series has an upcoming conference. Free registration is available for individuals from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) working in science and medicine related fields, and this is open to all career stages:

• Tuberculosis: Science Aimed at Ending the Epidemic [Virtual Event] – application deadline is November 18, 2020. Learn more here.

Perspective on COVID-19

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation continues to work with the public and private sectors in the global response to COVID-19. To learn more about the foundation’s broader work and how COVID-19 is being addressed across the foundation, please visit the foundation’s website and sign-up for The Optimist newsletter.

Great Ideas Come from Everywhere

You are welcome to read summaries of the grants awarded to date through Grand Challenges initiatives with the Gates Foundation as funder or co-funder and to explore an interactive world map of projects across the broader Grand Challenges funding partner network.

If you have a great idea for one of the open opportunities, please apply.

MRFF Priorities 2020-2022

 Following the recent consultation, the MRFF has now released the updated Priorities for the next 2 years.

As the overarching MRFF Strategies will be reviewed in 2021 we expected very little change to the Priorities and that is indeed the case. The Priorities remain the same as the 2018-2020 document however the text for each one has been updated.

The New Priorities are now on the MRFF website.

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/australian-medical-research-and-innovation-priorities-2020-2022

If wish to compare it to the previous version to see the changes please find the old version here.

If you have any questions please let Karen McConalogue know.

Current MRFF Grant Opportunities

 CLOSING DEC 2020

1)  2021 Frontier Health and Medical Research Initiative  (Re-Opened after pause in March 2020)

$110M pool

Closing Dec 11, 2020

CLOSING FEB 2021  

2) PPHRI- 2020 Efficient Use of Existing Medicines Grant Opportunity Guidelines  

$7.5M pool

Closing Feb 03, 2021

3) EPCDR Initiative – 2020 Childhood Cancer Research Grant Opportunity (Following the Ministers announcement over a week ago this call has now opened.)

$9M pool

Closing Feb 03, 2021

4) PPHRI- Quality, Safety and Effectiveness of Medicine Use and Medicine Intervention by Pharmacists MRFF Grant Opportunity 

also see https://business.gov.au/Grants-and-Programs/MRFF-2020-Quality-Safety-and-Effectiveness-of-Medicine-Use-and-Medicine-Safety-by-Pharmacists  

$13M pool  (NOW OPEN)

Closing Feb 23, 2021

5) Research Data Infrastructure Initiative -  2020 Primary Health Care Research Data Infrastructure grant opportunity 

also see https://business.gov.au/Grants-and-Programs/MRFF-2020-Primary-Health-Care-Research-Data-Infrastructure-Grant-Opportunity

$10M pool (NOW OPEN)

Closing Feb 23, 2021

 CLOSING MAR 2021    

6) Clinical Trial Activity Initiative - 2020 International Clinical Trial Collaborations Grant Opportunity 

 $6.3M pool (per round)

Round 2 Closing Mar 03, 2021

7) MRFF – 2020 COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate Research grant opportunity  (EoIs) -Reminder

Round 3:closing 10 March, 2021

VBIC Network Event 2020 - Inaugural Awards

 

2020 NHMRC Equipment Grants - APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

NHMRC Equipment Grants are now open for application in the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (FMNHS).  The allocated funds are to be used for equipment purchased in 2020 or 2021, but must be fully expended by the end of December 2021.

An individual is only permitted to be named as the Primary Chief Investigator (CIA) on ONE (1) application, and can be named as CIB or subsequent CI on up to ONE (1) additional application.

Objectives & Selection Criteria

Please ensure that you address the following points in Q7 and keep your answer within the 300-word limit.

The NHMRC’s objectives of the scheme are:

• to support institutions to be strategic in the purchase of larger items of equipment that will benefit health and medical research in Australia;
• to encourage the purchase of equipment that will be used collaboratively; and
• to support the purchase of Australian-made equipment where possible.

The NHMRC requires the following criteria to be met for the allocation of these funds:  

• the equipment should support the highest quality health and medical research funded by the NHMRC (or through another competitive grant process);
• consideration should be given to the lack of access to similar equipment in the institution or town/city to avoid duplication;
• thought should be given to the collaborative gain that can achieved through the use of the equipment e.g. multi-user equipment which crosses disciplines, research groups and departments.

The FMNHS will prioritise applications on the basis of:

1. Alignment with the Monash University Research Agenda 2020, particularly around the provision of advanced research infrastructure, and in the context of the Platforms, talent enhancement and cross-disciplinary research collaborations;  
2. Opportunity for multiple use;
3. Alignment with the long term investment policy of the Faculty; and
4. Encouragement of innovation.

Equipment purchases should not include the type of apparatus normally classified as ‘office infrastructure’ such as desks, cabinets, etc. Funds will not be provided for the purchase of computers and software, except where these are an integral component of a piece of laboratory equipment or are of a nature essential for work in the field.

Submission Process

Applicants are required to submit a copy of the completed and signed NHMRC Equipment Grants application form via email to medicine.research@monash.edu.

Submission deadline:  Sunday 29 November 2020 at 11:59PM (AEDT)

LATE OR INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.  HARD COPIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

NOTE:  The Application Form will be used internally within Monash University only – do not enter this into Pure.

Questions about the scheme should be directed to medicine.research@monash.edu.

Funding Opportunity: Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources - Citizen Science Grants Round 2 - Now Open

The objective of the Citizen Science Grants – Round 2 is to engage the public in science by offering opportunities to participate, as citizen scientists, in scientific research projects that have a national impact and include the collection or transformation of data in Australia.

The intended outcome of the grant opportunity is increased community participation in scientific research projects where participants learn new skills, form new networks, receive acknowledgement for their participation, and receive updates on their participation in specific research projects.

This round will support projects that contribute to areas of national significance by addressing these specific focus areas:

• disaster resilience and preparedness
• environmental change
• cyber security and artificial intelligence
• food and agribusiness.

The minimum grant amount is $150,000 and the maximum grant amount is $500,000 for science research projects. The grant amount will be up to 85% of eligible project expenditure.  Applicants are responsible for funding the remaining 15% of eligible project expenditure plus any ineligible expenditure.

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to read the funding guidelines before applying.

UNIVERSITY LIMITS AND EOI PROCESS

As Monash can only submit ONE application for this round, the MRO will be running an internal EOI process.  The EOI panel will select one application for full submission.

Applicants must complete the MRO EOI form and forward the completed form with their CV (maximum two pages) to mro-applications@monash.edu by Wednesday, 18 November 2020.

EOI results will be announced on Thursday, 26 November 2020.  The successful applicant will need to create a Pure record, upload the application and supporting documents and send it for pre-approval by Wednesday, 9  December 2020.

Please note that ONLY the application selected for submission through the EOI process will need a corresponding Pure record.

KEY DATES

ACTION	DATE
EOI due to MRO	Wednesday, 18 November 2020
EOI result announced	Thursday, 26 November 2020
Pure record to be sent for Pre-Approval	Wednesday, 9 December 2020
Full submission due to Funder	5pm Thursday, 17 December 2020

LINKS TO FURTHER INFORMATION

Further information about the Citizen Science Grants Round 2 can be found at the following link.

Please contact mro-applications@monash.edu if you have any queries about this funding opportunity.

Victorian Heart Institute Membership Program

JOIN AS A MEMBER OF THE VICTORIAN HEART INSTITUTE.

Raise your global profile. Turn discovery into action. Join as a member of the Monash Victorian Heart Institute and play a critical part in our mission to stop cardiovascular disease in its tracks.

THE MONASH VICTORIAN HEART INSTITUTE IS CALLING RESEARCHERS WITH AN INTEREST IN HEART HEALTH TO BECOME MEMBERS.

• Do you have an interest in cardiovascular disease or health?
• Would you like to explore how to enhance your research by connecting with like- minded people?
• Do you want to create the health care solutions of the future?
• Do you have a great technology that you think could be applied to the health care system?
• Are you excited about the potential to create impact in health through the brand-new Victorian Heart Hospital?

Officially joining us doesn’t change your current status or affiliation with other Monash groups, it simply connects you to like-minded individuals across our community, who are committed to changing the trajectory of heart disease in Australia. For good. CLICK TO JOIN

(Note: the online form will take less than five minutes to complete. We will need everyone to complete this form to allow us to include you in communications moving forward, so we encourage you all to join up!)

We are thrilled to welcome you to the Institute!

Contact Us 

E: vicheartinstitute@monash.edu

W: www.monash.edu/vic-heart-institute

Join our Workplace Group

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Pure unavailable weekend 14th-15th November

Pure will be unavailable from COB Friday 13th until 9am on Monday 16th November for essential maintenance work.

Anyone attempting to log into Pure during this time will receive this message:

Pure is currently down for maintenance between 5 PM Friday 13th and 9AM on Monday, 16th November 2020 AEDT. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. 

There will also be a notice placed on the myResearch website alerting users to the outage nearer the time.

2021 School of Clinical Sciences Awards for Teaching and Research Excellence CLOSES Tuesday 15 Dec 2020

The School of Clinical Sciences value the contributions made by staff towards the teaching and learning of our students, as well as research excellence. This year there will be 2 awards for teaching excellence and 5 awards for research. These awards recognise teaching and research excellence and are open to professional, academic, adjunct and teaching associate staff who are involved in the teaching and learning of students within the School of Clinical Sciences, and to those engaged in research. 

The successful recipients will receive a certificate and support to apply for the Faculty level awards in 2021. The SCS awards are aligned with Dean's and VC's teaching and research awards so are an ideal pathway to develop recognition for outstanding teaching and research.  

For more information please contact Simone Gibson (for teaching) and Vanalysa Ly (for research)  and/or see this link https://sites.google.com/a/monash.edu/school-of-clinical-sciences-intranet/research/research-grants-and-opportunities. 

ILC Building Economic and Community Participation Program Grant 2020-21

The Information, Linkages and Capacity (ILC) Building Economic and Community Participation Program Grant Opportunity 2020-21 is now open. Applications for this scheme can request a minimum of $250,000 (GST exclusive) and a maximum of $1.2million (GST exclusive) per project. Funding will be from 10 June 2021 to 9 June 2022.

The objective of the ILC Program is to increase social and community participation for people with disability. The ILC Program seeks to do this by:

• building the capacity of people with disability to participate in their community
• creating opportunities for people with disability to participate by creating more inclusive services and communities.

The Economic and Community Participation Program is one of four discrete and complementary programs delivered under the ILC Strategy. increasing the social and economic participation, including employment outcomes, of people with disability.

The aim of this grant opportunity is to improve the economic participation of people with disability, particularly in light of the impact of COVID-19.

As per the guidelines for this scheme, Monash University may only submit a total of two (2) applications, with one being a consortia (joint) application, and one individual application. To ensure that Monash doesn't exceed this submission quota, there will be a Faculty EOI process to review and rank the applications.

Intending applicants must complete the EOI Form and submit to medicine.research@monash.edu by 11:59pm on Tuesday 10 November 2020.

The top two (2) Monash applicants (one in each category i.e. individual/consortia) will be advised by 11am on Tuesday 24 November 2020 to proceed with their full application submission and entry of their application into Pure.  Final applications are due to the funder (Department of Social Services) by 11pm (AEDT) on Tuesday 8 December 2020.

Further information on this scheme can be found at the funding page.  

Monash Neuroscience in a Flash competition

Registration is CLOSING SOON for all Monash Neuroscience research students (Hons, Masters, Doctoral) to participate in the Monash Neuroscience in a Flash competition so please REGISTER TODAY (via the website) NOMINATIONS CLOSE FRIDAY 6 NOVEMBER.

Don't forget to also check out the Monash Neuroscience network updates at the Workplace.  

Ian Potter Foundation Medical Research Equipment Grants CALL FOR EOI APPLICATIONS

The Ian Potter Foundation (IPF) has released their Medical Research round which supports funding for medical equipment. Applications are due to the funder on 22 January 2021.

The maximum funding available is $100,000. The IPF will usually only support up to 50% of the value of the equipment (i.e. to attract the full $100,000 amount the equipment would typically cost around $200,000 or more).

The IPF will accept two (2) applications from Monash University for medical equipment for the purpose of medical research, NOT clinical use. As such there will be an internal EOI process within FMNHS to review and rank the applications. The External Relations, Development and Alumni (ERDA) team will work with the 2 shortlisted applicants to develop their submission.

The IPF has highlighted the following:

• They will not fund programs that could be eligible for funding under NHMRC or ARC schemes.
• The equipment needs to be highly specialised and not something we already have. Equipment that helps the research move to the ‘next phase’, would be viewed favourably.
• They will prioritize applications where the equipment can be used by multiple research groups – collaboration is highly valued. This can also include collaboration with external research partners.
• Monash University can submit two (2) applications but they would be competing with each other.

Further information on the round can be found here.

Intending applicants must complete the EOI Form and submit to the medicine.research@monash.edu by 11:59pm on Sunday 22 November 2020.

For questions about the scheme, please contact Megan O’Connor, Deputy Director Development, Clinical and Biomedical Research, ERDA.

European Research Days 2020 Australia & New Zealand (Virtual)

European Research Days 2020 is the annual flagship event of EURAXESS Australia and New Zealand, in collaboration with the Delegation of the European Union to Australia and the Delegation of the European Union to New Zealand. This virtual event focuses on providing the research community with information and support for scientific exchange and collaboration with Europe. 

Topics include, but are not limited to: European funding (Horizon Europe, DAAD, European Research Council grants, Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions, Erasmus+); the impact of Covid-19 on research and mobility; EU-Australia relations (speakers/panelists include European ambassadors to Australia and New Zealand); and the importance of international collaboration (speakers include Prof. Anne Kelso (CEO, NHMRC), Dr Mary Kelly (Executive Director, Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, ARC), Prof. John Shine (President, AAS) and Prof. Jean-Pierre Bourguignon (Interim President, European Research Council). 

Date: 25-27 November 2020

Agenda: bit.ly/ERD-2020

Registration (free, but spaces are limited): bit.ly/ERD-2020-Register 

Twitter announcement: https://twitter.com/Euraxess_AusNZ/status/1323020438126186497?s=20 

Facebook announcement: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=476393209965597

YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/SILBmu6ttQA

For questions, please contact Dr Adam Brotchie, Senior Research Development Officer - International, MRO.

New Funding Opportunities - National Intelligence and Security Discovery Research Grants

The Office of National Intelligence and the Department of Defence announced a new National Intelligence and Security Discovery Research Grants (NISDRG) Program.

2021 Perpetual Trustees IMPACT Philanthropy Application Program - CALL FOR EOI APPLICATIONS

Applications for the Perpetual Trustees IMPACT Philanthropy Application Program generally range between $10,000 and $100,000. The maximum amount an organisation can request is $120,000 per application. In recent years, the average grant was approximately $75,000.

COVID-19 Human Movement Data

COVID-19 isn't going away. In recent weeks, we have seen spikes in cases worldwide. According to the Wall Street Journal on 10/13/20 "U.S COVID-19 Hospitalization Hit Highest Level in Nearly Six Weeks" WSJ

Greater needs, but poorer access to services: why COVID mental health measures must target disadvantaged areas

COVID-19 outbreaks and the resulting lockdowns, particularly in Victoria, have adversely affected many people’s mental health.  Read full story here.

Monash Health Foundation COVID-19 Research Fund Grant for COVID-19 pneumonia treatment research

Congratulations to Dr Atul Malhotra, on receiving a Monash Health Foundation COVID-19 Research Fund Grant for his research on treatment for COVID-19 pneumonia.  Read full story here

Clinical trials for severe acute asthma in children need consistent outcome measures and large multi-centre studies

Monash University research demonstrates that large multi-centre studies with consistent outcome measures are needed to understand the management of acute severe asthma in children.  Read full story here

Schizophrenia research receives best data Blitz presentation at Biological Psychiatry Australia (BPA) 2020

Dr Anna Schroeder at (virtual)
BPA 2020

Congratulations to Dr Anna Schroeder on receiving the best data Blitz presentation award at Biological Psychiatry Australia (BPA) 2020.  Read full story here.

Dr Hashrul Rashid receives the RACP Victorian Trainee Research Award for TAVI study

Congratulations to Dr Hashrul Rashid on receiving the Victorian Trainee Research Award by Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP).  

Dr Rashid's study has demonstrated certain prosthesis factors that  increase the risk of leaflet thrombosis following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Prosthesis that are under-expanded, implanted deep and misaligned, are associated with leaflet thrombosis. He hopes this will help improve procedural techniques during TAVI to improve valve longevity and clinical safety.

Speaking of the award, Dr Rashid said, "I feel ecstatic to be awarded the best research abstract amongst physician trainees in Victoria". 

The award winners are selected by a panel of renowned researchers and physicians.  Dr Rashid will now represent the state for the national competition in Brisbane in 2021.

Earlier this year, Dr Rashid, a specialist cardiologist at Monash Heart who's undergoing a PhD with the Monash Cardiovascular Research Centre, had won the RACP Trainee of the Year Award.  See news article here.

Research reveals recoverable funds opportunity in Monash Medical Centre emergency department

An investigation into Australian public emergency departments has identified a recoverable cash flow potentially worth millions of dollars.  Read full story here.

Food as Medicine course rated amongst the best in the world

Four of Monash University’s free online short courses, including the Food as Medicine course, run by the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food have ranked in the world’s Top Online Courses of All Time, more than any other Australian university. Read full story here.

$3.4M MRFF funding for fight against superbugs

Congratulations to Prof Tony Korman and Adj A/Prof Rhonda Stuart, part of a multidisciplinary team of Monash researchers who have won a $3.4M MRFF grant for improving diagnosis, treatment and prevention of antimicrobial resistance in hospitals and the healthcare system.  Read full news story here.

WiSDoM Tea and Stories - Wednesday 21 October 2020 4pm - 5pm

 

The SCS Women in Science, Discovery and Medicine (WiSDoM) Committee and the Hudson Equity and Diversity Committee cordially invite everyone (including men) to Watch ‘Picture a Scientist’: 16th – 18th October, followed by an Open Discussion on Wednesday 21st October 2020 4pm – 5pm.

SCS Staff Meeting - Friday 16 October 2020 11am - 12noon

All staff and HDR students are invited to the next SCS staff meeting

Details

Friday 16 October 11am-12noon

Dr Fiona Best appointed Binational Chair, RANZCP Subcommittee for Advanced Training in Forensic Psychiatry

We are delighted to announce Dr Fiona Best has been appointed Binational Chair, The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Subcommittee for Advanced Training in Forensic Psychiatry.  Read full story here.

Genetic risk factors identified for prostate cancer

Monash University’s Precision Medicine research group has discovered multiple new genetic risk factors that make men susceptible to aggressive prostate cancer that will contribute to future prevention of the disease.  Read full story here.

A design for the end of life: Rethinking palliative care as a home away from home

A picture speaks a thousand words – and Dr Nyein Chan Aung’s painting of the Melbourne hospital room says it all.  Read full news story here.

Medical teaching innovation yields results for infants at risk of cerebral palsy

Medical student Arrabella King and infants at risk of cerebral palsy have mutually benefited from Monash University's recent innovation of a Scholarly Intensive Placement (SIP) as part of medical training in the final year of the medical MD degree.  Read full story here.

Top researchers recognised in The Australian’s Research 2020 Magazine

Congratulations to SCS researchers Professor Peter Ebeling and Associate Professor Rebecca Lim who have been recognised in The Australian’s Research 2020 magazine. Read more here.

Review of ANCA-associated vasculitis published in Nature Reviews Disease Primers

Prof Richard Kitching

A major review covering all aspects of ANCA-associated vasculitis was published in Nature Reviews Disease Primers, an influential journal that invites key researchers to write definitive reviews of important medical problems.  Read full story here.